Avatars for Daves Garden?

I did not know what an avatar was until, I got on a new site, it is small picture or photo, or even a logo, that says something about you.

For example mine could be a small bug, I even have a stag beetle in my clip art folder, that I like to use, so if we decide to get avatars, it would be really cool.

Poppy Sue could have a Poppy be hers. In fact, I can even screen capture any photo on line and create a small file jpeg of it, to use an avatar, or people can post thier own photos of themselves. Wind surfer could use a wind surfer photo or logo, it would be so neat.

How are these used, Bug_Girl?

Every time you post, next to your name your little photo, or logo appears. It sort of gets people to remember people better.

Hmm, guess I will have to use a dollar weed.

Some people pick what is like thier nick name but some pick something like a kitten even if it does not fit thier nick name. You can have even an abstract design. But, first we have to ask Dave if the software, supports this feature or not.

How did you put yours in your post?

Easy, I just used the image upload link, but the avatar just comes automatically with your name, when the software supports it. I will show you another avatar, I like.

I like saving that space for our pictures. I've been on lots of sites that use avatars or sigs and they get old real fast. (to me:)

I don't like sigs, when they quote a song or poem, that gets old, but the avatars are on the side, on the bottom like a sig. People who don't want don't have to use them, and you can even disable them so you won't see them if you don't like them. So everyone is happy. I don't like the ones that move, that is distracting.

I agree with tiG. Avatars are fun for a few hours, but they get old fast.

But most importantly, I don't think that they contribute much to the content of the discussions that occur in a forum.

Dave

No, they don't contribute, but they are fun, but it would not be worth a change in software etc.. since it is just a frill thing.

Bug_girl, yours were small and tasteful, lots of times people get carried away and I think that's what ruined it for a lot of us:)

Yes, on my other site, there is a size limit, to avatars. They really are just like little logos. That beetle posted a big bigger then I would want as a avatar. I would say, only the size of a quarter is tasteful. Everyone wants to do lady bugs or butterflies, but the beetle is more distinctive and just as pretty.

At first I found the idea of avatars intriguing -- but am watching this thread, and seeing the beetle every time I check in is getting very irritating. Images are much more powerful than text in their total impact, so if Dave did decide to allow avatars, it would be nice for individual members to be able to turn the feature off (as you indicate is possible in some software).

Right, at first I turned them off, then I realized it helped me scan the posts faster, if you are looking for someone and you know their logo, you can go there faster then reading the names. But, if no one likes the idea, I am out voted.

Yes, I see your point about avatars helping you to scan the posts faster. I certainly wouldn't have a problem with them, if I had the option of turning them on or off.

I love how uncluttered DG is; unless members could opt-out of having them visible, I'd not like them. They'd effect page loading time somewhat, too, wouldn't they?

GW, I like the uncluttered look of DG, too -- that's why I wouldn't care for them unless they were optional. It seems logical that avatars would increase uploading time, but I don't know for certain.

This message was edited Sunday, Nov 10th 11:58 PM

I have been to one small Texas based site for gardeners where avatars were used, and I found that I didn't like them, they were a distraction. Whether they were responsible for the many technical problems on the site, I can't say. I find it simple enough to find anyone just by knowing how to read, but would have to learn a new "language" or code for this to be of any benefit. I would definitely keep it turned off.

So far no tech problems or slow loading with them, since they are very small in size under 60 pixels, I think. But, the site is just a few months old.

If it ain't broke.........don't fix it!!! I like DG just the way it is!!

"eyes"

I agree, "eyes", I'm very happy with davesgarden "as is". Part of that is the clean, uncluttered look to the forums, no distracting stuff going on. The CONTENT of the discussions is what is most important. John

I have to agree with Dave, tiG, GW, Eyes, Aimee, and Pardancanda. Having just checked in on this thread after a good night's sleep, seeing that beetle again was an instant irritant. DG is a compact and tidy-looking site, reflecting its clear, uncluttered character -- would hate to see that changed. Also, my understanding is that avatars are usually used in connection with chats, where it is important to be able to quickly spot the people you're "talking" to -- at DG, on the other hand, the entire thread -- with every person's replies and responses -- is relevant to any discussion.

This message was edited Monday, Nov 11th 12:01 PM

Okay, everybody admit it - y'all are afraid that if Dave put them in place, there's no telling what mine might look like. Especially after Dave saw DH's "interesting" UT sneakers!!!! Hmmm, what was tiG's comment about small and tasteful? Yeah, anything I chose probably wouldn't make those words spring to one's mind, lololol.

Seriously, I guess I'd have to say they are a fun idea, but would probably detract more than they add. And I kind of like wondering about people's names...like tiG's - for the longest time I thought of her as a short little tigger. And she is kinda bouncy, even though that's not what her name stands for (I later learned :)

roflol!!!! this is what I've always used as a sig other places. I might be loud, but I try not to be too showy!

That is a nice one tiG. I guess I don't care one way or another, but if it slows the page down while loading, I'd have to say no. I just have a modem connection and they are slow enough the way it is.

it does. we want to save the bandwidth for real pictures:) (i think)

yours is great tiG! I love it. What a fun idea Bug_girl! Nice that you took the time to share an idea that might make this site even better!

It wouldn't bother me, one way or another, in fact at times I bet it would be entertaining! There are tons more things in life that can irritate me!! LOL

I must lead a sheltered life how do you all have time to go to other sites? I have never seen these being used. I guess I need to get out more. LOL

nah, stay where you are kell:)

AVATARS - great as a visual aid

DOWNSIDE - if too large - slows down loading of the thread.

BUT - IF you are loading too slowly,people tell you & you change it. (the only polite thing to do and all DG'ers are extremely polite!)

Animated ones used to CRASH my computer ! !


NOT READY FOR THIS?
How about if we used our personal pages more effectively. Those who want to get better acquainted can choose to look without slowing down the thread.
THEY ARE WAY UNDERUSED. I plan to take some time to work on mine and heaven knows I do not take a good picture but it is who I am! And putting a face with a name will help others remember me.

my two cents ;)

Arlene

Dave, would it be very difficult for you to make a place in our personal info for each of us to put an avatar? And maybe guidelines on size?

great idea to work on our pages!!!

Well thank you, tiG (blushing way down to my toes!)
And is that a picture of you on you page? would be nice to know who we are looking at; or am I being too snoopy? I am gonna guess child or grandchild.

Arlene

my darlin granddaughter. it's not being snoopy, there is a picture of me on DG, you just have to search:)

Maybe someone could start a thread called IDEAS FOR PERSONAL PAGE.

Could be a lot of people on here who have done it at other websites and could give great ideas of interesting info and pictures to put on it.

And "newbies" who may not understand how it can work -
great way to get acquainted when new.

Are people more responsive to your posts when they feel like you are a real person through info about you on your page?

I think they would be fun, too! Just one of those little neat things. But do understand how they can slow down a page load, so the way to keep everyone happy would be to give an on/off choice. BUT, IF they were used and an on/off feature was implemented, would it still affect the load times of people who chose to turn them off? In other words, would the bandwidth drain from those who wanted to see them be great enough to slow down the load times for those who didn't want to see them? And how much time would it take to write the code for this? Too much time that could be better used for other more useful things?

I have no idea what the answers to those questions are, but will say if it's a simple thing for Dave to do AND wouldn't affect those who don't want them in any way, I'd like to have that little fun quirk. ;)

Wingnut, you nut, I just knew this would appeal to you. Has anyone ever told you that you are way too smart for a country girl?

Ha tiG!!! ....... you are afraid I will find out that not every site has a little tiGlet that loves to heap abuse on poor pink Kell!! I might find a place where I am truly appreciated and allowed to be Queen of Pink!!!

nah, I'm trying to protect you from the harsh realities:) I'm the Queen of Pink and the rest of the internet knows it. hehehe

are you sure you are not the Queen of Mean??? I am now weeping here.................... whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....pink tears